Throwing game kit and related methods

ABSTRACT

The disclosure concerns a collapsibly foldable throwing game kit for convenient storage and portability. The throwing game kit is configured for use indoors and outdoors, and includes a game grid having a plurality of grid receptacles, one or more throwing projectiles, a set of game cards, and score cards. The throwing game kit optionally includes a dowel for elevating one side of the game grid for orienting the game grid at an angle about a surface on which the game grid is placed. Related methods for playing various games using the throwing game kit are also described.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The claimed invention relates to a throwing game kit and related methods; and more particularly, to a collapsibly foldable and portable throwing game kit configured for multiple play options.

Description of the Related Art

Most commercially available projectile throwing games are backyard or lawn games. Such games have been popular for various types of gatherings, for example, home parties, picnics, camping, and the like. However, the commercially available backyard or lawn games are often either cumbersome to carry, complicated, and/or time consuming to set up. In addition, these games are mostly exclusive for one of outdoor or indoor play only, and either for children or for adult play. Moreover, such games and game kits often provide only one method of playing.

Thus, there is a present need and desire for improved throwing games and game kits, especially for those that may be foldable, collapsible and portable, can be played indoors as well as outdoors, and those that may be suitable for players of a wide range of ages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with various embodiments, a throwing game kit is disclosed, the throwing game kit includes at least: a collapsibly foldable game grid having a plurality of grid receptacles therein, one or more throwing projectiles, a game card set including a plurality of game cards therein, and one or more score cards. In some embodiments, the throwing game kit further includes a bag for storage and transport of the game kit contained therein. Further embodiments include a dowel or other structural support for elevating one side of the game grid for positioning the game grid at an angle with respect to the ground or surface on which the game grid is placed.

Methods for playing games using the collapsibly foldable throwing game kit are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a method for playing a game using the throwing game kit includes: a first player selecting a first card from the set of game cards, the first card including a first target pattern; a second player selecting a second card from the set of game cards, the second card including a second target pattern; each of the first and second players, in turn, throwing the one or more projectiles toward the game grid, each of the projectiles landing in one or none of the grid receptacles; each of the first and second players, subsequent to throwing the one or more projectiles, marking the score card at the graphical representation such that the marking is indicative of a corresponding grid receptacle for which the projectiles have been received in the game grid after throwing; and repeating the throwing and marking; wherein the player to land a projectile in each grid receptacle corresponding to one of the first and second target patterns prior to the other player wins the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The claimed invention can be further understood upon a thorough review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a throwing game kit in accordance with an illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a game grid and grid receptacles thereof of the throwing game kit, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2A illustrates a divider of the throwing game kit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates an inverse view of the divider of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the throwing game kit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the game grid of the throwing game kit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment as it is folded into a collapsed state;

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the throwing game kit showing a living hinge in accordance with the illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a game card from the set of game cards of the throwing game kit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the game card showing a target pattern corresponding to grid receptacles of the game grid;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a rule card of the throwing game kit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 7 illustrates views of a score card of the throwing game kit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the claimed invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these details and descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Certain embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein illustrative features are denoted by reference numerals.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including, but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

Now turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a throwing game kit 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, generally, the throwing game kit 100 includes a game grid 101, a dowel 200 (see FIG. 3), a set of game cards 500, a set of rule cards or rules 600 (see FIG. 6), a set of score cards 650, one or more throwing projectiles 700, and a carrying feature 800.

Now with respect to FIG. 1A, the game grid 101 may be folded for storage or transport (see FIG. 4A). In an expanded (or open, expanded, playing) state, one or more dividers 112 (see FIGS. 1B and 2) may be removably positioned in an interior space of the game grid 101 to form a grid of receptacles 120. In some embodiments, as described herein, the throwing game kit 100 may be played according to a target pattern described in a game card 500, and according to a rule 600. In a collapsed (or folded) state, the throwing game kit 100 may be stored in the carrying feature 800, such as for example, a bag or case. Although the carrying feature 800 is illustrated in FIG. 1A as a bag, it may also be a box, a tube, or a suitable carrying feature. The carrying feature 800 may also include a strap or handle for carrying.

In some embodiments, the throwing projectile 700 includes a first portion, and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion may have a greater weight than the second portion. The second portion may include one or more guiding or stabilizing elements or wings. In these embodiments, when the throwing projectile 700 is delivered (for example, thrown or tossed) by a player, the first portion of the throwing projectile 700 will generally land first.

Turning to FIG. 1B of the illustrated embodiment, a perspective view of the game grid 101 of the throwing game kit 100 is illustrated. The game grid 101 includes a base 103 (see FIGS. 1A and 4A), a first wall 102, a second wall 104, a third wall 106 and a fourth wall 108, wherein the first wall 102 is opposite of the third wall 106, and the second wall 104 is opposite of the fourth wall 108. The base 103, the first wall 102, the second wall 104, the third wall 106 and the fourth wall 108 are fixedly coupled to form an interior space 105 (see FIG. 4A). In the illustrated embodiment, in an expanded (or open, playing) state, the game grid 101 has a rectangular shape of four sides.

It should be noted that there can be an equal number of columns and rows of the game grid, or there can be more columns or more rows. It should further be noted, depending on user or manufacturer preference, that the game grid can comprise one or more walls extending perpendicularly upward from the base about a periphery thereof.

When the game grid 101 is in the expanded state, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, one or more horizontal and vertical dividers 112 (see FIG. 2) may be removably positioned in the interior space 105 to form a grid of grid receptacles. In some embodiments, at least the third wall 106 and the horizontal dividers 112 may include column and/or row indicia in a predetermined order. For example, in the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2, the indicia are in numerical order horizontally, and are in alphabetical order vertically. As such, horizontally, the markings include A1, A2, A3, etc., in a first horizontal row, and so on. Vertically, the markings include A1, B1, C1, etc., in a first vertical row, and so on. As will be described herein, the markings provide the grid receptacles 120 with labels for playing one or more games.

The dividers 112 include alternating fingers 113 and slits 114. The horizontal and vertical dividers 112 may be positioned perpendicular to one another. In some embodiments, when the horizontal dividers 112 are positioned as illustrated in FIG. 2A (e.g., edge 115 facing downward), the vertical dividers 112 will be positioned inverse to the horizontal dividers 112 as illustrated in FIG. 2B (e.g., edge 115 facing upward). As a result, the slits of the horizontal dividers 112 will removably couple with the corresponding slits of the vertical dividers 112. In some embodiments, the width of each slit 114 may be slightly greater than the thickness of the divider 112.

The outside surface of the first wall 102 of the game grid 101 may include graphics for the throwing game kit 100, for example, logo 110 or any other marketing information.

In some embodiments, the first wall 102, the second wall 104, the third wall 106 and the fourth wall 108 may be fabricated with corrugated cardboard or other paper board, or a plastic, and covered with nylon fabric. In these embodiments, corrugated cardboard may be selected for its light weight, and nylon fabric may be selected for its waterproof and resilient characteristics. Other materials having similar characteristics or benefits may also be selected.

Turing to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a side view of the throwing game kit 100 is illustrated. FIG. 3 illustrates the third wall 106 being elevated and held in the elevated position by a dowel 200 and a catch 210. In the elevated position, the grid receptacles and their corresponding indicia in the interior space 105 will be more readily visible to a player of the throwing game kit 100 who may be standing at a distance from the throwing game kit 100. Using the dowel, the game grid can be elevated at one side such that the game grid forms an angle with respect to the ground or surface on which the game grid is placed.

FIG. 4A illustrates, in some embodiments, a perspective view of the throwing game kit 100 with the game grid 101 in a state of being folded or collapsed. As disclosed herein, the second wall 104 and the fourth wall 108 of the game grid 101 each includes respective living hinge 107 and 109. The living hinge 107 allows the second wall 104 to fold inwardly. Similarly, the living hinge 109 allows the fourth wall 108 to fold inwardly. As the sides 104 and 108 fold, the first wall 102 and third wall 106 move toward the center of the game grid 101, until the inner wall 104′ of the side 104 and the inner wall 108′ of the side 108 couple with the inner wall of the side 102. Substantially at the same time, the inner wall 104″ of the side 104 and the inner wall 108″ of the side 108 couple with the inner wall of the side 106. In this collapsed state, the game grid 101 may be stored in the carrying feature 800.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in some embodiments, a game card 500 which includes a depiction of corresponding grid receptacles 502, and having an exemplary target pattern 510 (for example, four darkened grid receptacles 502). In some embodiments, the target pattern 510 may be predetermined (pre-printed on the game card 500). In other embodiments, a game card 500 may not include a predetermined pattern. In these latter embodiments, the player will provide his or her own pattern, by marking one or more grid receptacles 502 on a blank grid of a blank game card.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the throwing game kit 100 includes a set of rules 600. As described herein, in an exemplary operation (play) of the throwing game kit 100, a game card 500 will be selected. The selected game card 500 may indicate that a game with a predetermined pattern (for example, shown as “PICTURE” in FIG. 6) will be played. The predetermined pattern will be disclosed, or known, to all players. In these embodiments, with the ordered labels on the dividers 112 corresponding to the labels on the game card 650, the goal or objective of each player, or team of players, will be to make one or more deliveries (for examples, throws or tosses) of the throwing projectiles 700 into the grid receptacles 120 of the game grid 101 (see FIGS. 1(A-B)), so that the one or more deliveries will match the known predetermined pattern. The players, or teams, may record each delivery in a score card 650, as illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, a “hit” or match may be recorded by marking an “X” in a corresponding square in the grid of the score card 650. A “miss” may be recorded by marking an “O” in a corresponding square in the grid of the score card 650. The first player, or team, that completes the match will win the game.

In other embodiments, a selected game card 500 may indicate that a game with or without a predetermined pattern (for example, shown as “TARGET” in FIG. 6) will be played. If there is no predetermined pattern, the players, or teams, may create their own pattern in a first game card 650. The pattern (predetermined or created) is known only to the player, or team, holding the card 500 having that pattern. As such, the pattern will be kept secret from, or unknown or undisclosed to, the opposing player or team. In these embodiments, the objective of each player, or team of players, will be to make one or more deliveries (for examples, throws or tosses) of the throwing projectiles 700 into the grid receptacles 120 of the game grid 101 (see FIGS. 1(A-B)), so that the one or more deliveries will match the unknown or secret pattern. The players, or teams, may record each delivery in a game card 650. For example, a “hit” or match may be recorded, by the player or team with knowledge of the pattern, with an “X” in a corresponding square in the grid of the first game card 650. A “miss” may be recorded, by the player or team with knowledge of the pattern, with an “O” in a corresponding square in the grid of the first game card 650. The player or team making the delivery may record the delivery on his or their own second game card 650. The first player or team that completes the match will win the game.

In the above embodiments, the number of deliveries (for examples, throws or tosses) made by each player or team during each turn may vary. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, each team will make six deliveries at a time.

In some embodiments, the outside wall of one or more of the side 102, 104, 106 and 108 may include one or more pockets for holding the game cards 500, game cards 650, and rule cards 600.

It should be noted that the throwing game kit 100 may be set up and played either indoors or outdoors.

Now, although particular features and embodiments have been described in an effort to enable those with skill in the art to make and use the claimed invention, it should be understood that several variations, alterations or substitutions can be achieved to fabricate and operate the throwing game kit. Nothing in this description shall be construed as limiting the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, below. 

1. A throwing game kit, comprising: a collapsibly foldable game grid, the game grid comprising a plurality of grid receptacles, each of the grid receptacles being disposed within one of a plurality of grid columns and one of a plurality of grid rows, wherein the number of grid receptacles is a product of the grid rows and the grid columns of the game grid; one or more throwing projectiles, each of the projectiles being configured with a size suitable for fitment within the grid receptacles; a set of game cards, each game card of the set containing information corresponding to a target pattern, wherein the target pattern is associated with one or more of the grid receptacles of the game grid; and a score card, the score card including at least one graphic representation of the game grid, wherein the score card is configured to be marked as a game is played using the throwing game kit.
 2. The throwing game kit of claim 1, said collapsibly foldable game grid comprising a flexible base having a periphery associated therewith, and one or more walls extending perpendicularly from the base about the periphery thereof.
 3. The throwing game kit of claim 2, said base comprising a rectangular base, wherein the collapsibly foldable game grid comprises four walls extending perpendicularly from the rectangular base about the periphery thereof, with one of said four walls disposed at each of four sides of the rectangular base.
 4. The throwing game kit of claim 3, wherein at least two opposing walls of the four walls are configured with one or more living hinges extending about the respective walls in a direction perpendicular to the base.
 5. The throwing game kit of claim 4, wherein the at least two opposing walls are configured to fold about the living hinges for collapsing the game grid from an expanded state to a collapsed state, wherein the game grid comprises a first volume in the expanded state, a second volume in the collapsed state, and wherein the second volume is less than the first volume.
 6. The throwing game kit of claim 2, wherein the flexible base comprises a fabric material.
 7. The throwing game kit of claim 6, wherein the fabric material comprises nylon fabric.
 8. The throwing game kit of claim 2, wherein each of the walls comprises at least one paper board or plastic sheet disposed within a fabric sleeve.
 9. The throwing game kit of claim 2, said collapsibly foldable game grid further comprising one or more horizontal dividers and one or more vertical dividers forming the grid receptacles; each of the horizontal and vertical dividers individually comprising: a planar body having a length, height and thickness thereof, and a plurality of slits evenly disposed about a length of the planar body.
 10. The throwing game kit of claim 9, wherein each of a first of the horizontal dividers and a first of the vertical dividers is configured to engage with one another at a mating of first slits thereof, wherein the vertical divider is oriented perpendicular with respect to the horizontal divider.
 11. The throwing game kit of claim 1, wherein each of the grid receptacles is labeled to display a column indicia associated with one of said columns and row indicia associated with one of said rows.
 12. The throwing game kit of claim 1, wherein the game grid is labeled with a logo positioned about an outer surface of the game grid at one of the walls thereof.
 13. The throwing game kit of claim 1, further comprising: a dowel for lifting one side of the game grid a height above a surface on which the game grid is positioned; wherein the game grid is configured to be oriented at an angle with respect to the surface.
 14. The throwing game kit of claim 13, further comprising a bag for carrying each of: the collapsibly foldable game grid, the projectiles, the set of game cards, the score cards, and the dowel.
 15. The throwing game kit of claim 1, further comprising instructions for playing one or more games using the throwing game kit, the instructions being included with one of the score cards or set of game cards, or provided separately.
 16. With a throwing game kit including: a collapsibly foldable game grid having a plurality of grid receptacles therein; one or more throwing projectiles, each of the projectiles being configured with a size suitable for fitment within the grid receptacles; a set of game cards, each game card of the set containing information corresponding to a target pattern, wherein the target pattern is associated with one or more of the grid receptacles of the game grid; and a score card, the score card including at least one graphic representation of the game grid, wherein the score card is configured to be marked as a game is played using the throwing game kit; a method for playing a throwing game using the throwing game kit, the method comprising: a first player selecting a first card from the set of game cards, the first card including a first target pattern; optionally, a second player selecting a second card from the set of game cards, the second card including a second target pattern; each of the first and second players, in turn, throwing the one or more projectiles toward the game grid, each of the projectiles landing in one or none of the grid receptacles; each of the first and second players, subsequent to throwing the one or more projectiles, marking the score card at the graphical representation such that the marking is indicative of corresponding grid receptacles for which the projectiles have been received in the game grid after throwing; and repeating the throwing and marking; wherein the player to land a projectile in each grid receptacle corresponding to one of the first, and optional second target patterns, prior to the other player wins the game.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first player discloses the first card and first target pattern thereof to the second player, and the second player discloses the second card and second target pattern to the first player.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second players does not disclose their selected card and associated target pattern.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first player wins upon completing the first target pattern prior to the second player completing the second target pattern, wherein the first player completes the first target pattern by landing a projectile in each grid receptacle of the game grid corresponding to the first target pattern, and the second player completes the second target pattern by landing a projectile in each grid receptacle of the game grid corresponding to the second target pattern.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first player wins upon completing the second target pattern prior to the second player completing the first target pattern, wherein the first player completes the second target pattern by landing a projectile in each grid receptacle of the game grid corresponding to the second target pattern, and the second player completes the first target pattern by landing a projectile in each grid receptacle of the game grid corresponding to the first target pattern. 